LogoLogo
  • Home Loan Options

    Get Your Mortgage Review

    Explore the USA’s largest database of home loan programs.

    Purchase Programs
    Refinance Programs
    1st Time Homebuyers
    No Money Down 100% Financing
    Special Offers
    Funding Institutions
    Updates & Alerts
  • Tools

    Tools

    Better tools to make better home financing decisions.

    Mortgage Education Center
    Loan Finder
    Blog
    Glossary
  • Loan Officer

    For Loan Officers

    Elevate your business and transform mortgage shopping.

    LoanBot for Loan Officers
  • Realtor

    For Realtors

    Bridge the gap between
    homeowners and mortgage options.

    LoanBot for Realtors
  • How It Works

CalPLUS with ZIP Conventional Loan - Median Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments

Conventional loan with built-in closing cost assistance and options for down payment assistance for California homebuyers with incomes above 80% AMI.

CalPLUS with ZIP Conventional Loan - Median Income

  • Introduction
  • Quick Facts
  • Pros & Cons
  • Availability
  • Occupancy & Property Type
  • Income & Purchase Price Limits
  • Key Features & Conditions
  • Other Limitations
  • Mortgage Insurance & Fees
  • Grant, Bond & Other Add-On Programs
  • Similar Loan Programs
  • Related Resources

This loan program is not available in Oklahoma City, OK

Program Description

The CalPLUS Conventional Mortgage with ZIP program has a slightly higher interest rate than the standard CalHFA Conventional program and is combined with the Zero Interest Program (ZIP). ZIP provides either 2% or 3% that can be used exclusively as closing cost assistance (CCA). This loan program does not require that the borrowers make less than 80% AMI (Area Median Income), but it also does not have the lower rates and lower mortgage insurance coverage of the low income program.

Tags
High-Balance MortgageManufactured Home OptionsState Housing Loan Program
Do you match this loan?

Our loanSMART system will tell you if this loan program is a good fit your scenario.

CalPLUS with ZIP Conventional Loan - Median Income

Min. Credit Score

680

Min. Down Payment

3%

Max Loan Amount

$726,200 - $1,089,300

Qualification variables shown here are for 1-Unit Primary Residences, and loan amount ranges vary based on US County. Register Now to see if this loan program is a good fit for you, find your county limits, and find more options for purchasing a home.

Pros & Cons
  • May use ZIP funds for closing cost assistance
  • Payments on assistance deferred for as long as you reside in the home
  • Also available for manufactured homes
  • No purchase price limits
  • Available in all of California
  • 3% down payment can be covered by an assistance program
  • Income limit restrictions apply
  • Only available for 1-unit primary residences
  • Higher credit score requirement than other CalHFA programs
  • Higher interest rate than the CalPLUS with ZIP low income conventional option
  • Higher mortgage insurance coverage required than low income option
Program Availability

CalPLUS with ZIP Conventional Loan - Median Incomes are available in 1 state.

Talk to an Expert

An RMM PROLender can help you see if this or a different loan program is the right fit for your unique situation. Get Started.

“This Conventional loan option from CalHFA offers up to 3% in closing cost assistance and can also be paired with CalHFA's down payment assistance program!"

Occupancy & Property Types

Qualification factors for this program can vary based on how you intend to occupy the property and what type of property you are purchasing. By registering for a free account , you can check program limits for all property and occupancy types.

Occupancy Types

Available Property Types for Primary Residence
Income & Purchase Price Limits

Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI), as well as purchase price and income limits, are important factors when qualifying for a home loan program. By registering for a free account , you can find the exact program limits for this program and others in your area and for your unique scenario.

Debt-to-Income Limit

50.00%

Purchase Price Limit

No Limits

Income Limit

$159,000 - $300,000

Annual Qualifying Income

Qualification variables shown here are for 1-Unit Primary Residences, and loan limit ranges vary based on US County. Amounts may be rounded. Exact amounts can be accessed by registering for a free account.

Buying a Home?

Answer a few short questions and we'll build you a custom list of home loan program options. You're homeownership journey is in good hands.

Key Features
  • Zero interest closing cost assistance of 2% or 3% included in the loan
  • Can be combined with CalHFA's MyHome Assistance Program
  • Must be a first time homebuyer
Additional Conditions
  • The CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) covers a portion of closing costs for Conventional loans. Approved buyers can receive either 2% or 3% of the first loan amount to cover closing costs. The assistance comes in the form of a second loan with zero interest, and allows payments to be deferred indefinitely as long as the borrower is living in the home.
  • High balance loan amounts are allowed, but are subject to an additional fee (a percentage of the loan amount)
  • Homebuyer education is required if for at least one borrower
Other Limitations

In some circumstances, there are specific requirements you must meet or homebuyer education courses you must attend in order to be eligible for the loan program.

No other program limitations

A Homebuyer Education Class is required for this loan program.

Class Name: eHome's 8-Hour Homebuyer Education or In-Person

CalHFA requires first time homebuyers using their program to complete homebuyer education and counseling. Only one borrower occupying each loan transaction needs to take the course. The course can be taken online through eHome, or in-person or virtually through NeighborWorks America or any HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency. The cost of the course varies by agency, and eHome's course costs $99.

Mortgage Insurance & Fees

Most mortgage programs require mortgage insurance when you are financing more than 80% of the purchase price or appraised value. Some programs may also have an associated funding fee, paid at the time of closing, or an annual fee. Learn all about the different fees here.

Mortgage Insurance
Required with less than 20% Down Payment
Type: Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

This program requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) if you are putting down less than 20% on the home you are purchasing or refinancing.

Funding Fee
Type: No Funding Fee

This program does not have a funding fee.

Annual Fee
Type: No Annual Fee

This program does not have an annual fee.

Estimated Closing Costs: 1%

These amounts are just an estimate. Your closing costs include things like loan origination fees, discount points, appraisal fees, title insurance, taxes, deed recording fees, and other charges.

Grants, Bonds & 2nd Mortgages

There are certain programs that can be combined with this CalPLUS ZIP Conventional MI program to help cover all or a portion of your down payment and closing costs, or provide additional borrower benefits.

CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
|CalPLUS ZIP Conventional MI

The CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program provides up to 3% in down payment assistance in the form of a deferred payment mortgage.

Max. Loan Amount

$726,200 - $1,089,300

Min. Credit Score

680

Min. Down Payment:

0%

Details
Similar Loan Programs

If you think this home loan program may be a good fit for you, you may also want to check out the following programs that share many similarities with the current program.

CalPLUS with ZIP Conventional Loan - Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments

Conventional loan with closing cost assistance for low income California homebuyers with low mortgage insurance and down payment assistance options.


Details
CalHFA Conventional Loan - Median Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments

Conventional option for California homebuyers with incomes above 80% AMI that can be paired with down payment assistance of up to 3%.


Details
CalHFA FHA Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments, Lowest Rates

FHA program for California residents with below market interest rates and down payment assistance options.


Details
CalHFA Conventional Loan - Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments, Lowest Rates

Conventional loan for low income California homebuyers with below market interest rates, low mortgage insurance, and down payment assistance options.


Details
CalPLUS with ZIP FHA Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments, Low Credit Scores

The CalPLUS FHA program is an FHA loan paired with the CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) for closing costs.


Details
CalHFA VA Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Lowest Rates, Zero Down

VA program for California Veterans or Active-Duty Military homebuyers with below market interest rates and up to 3% in available assistance.


Details
CalHFA Dream For All Conventional Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments

Conventional mortgage from CalHFA used as the first mortgage for the Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan.


Details
Nevada Housing FHA Loan - Home is Possible Teacher

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments, Lowest Rates

FHA program for Nevada Teachers with down payment assistance options.


Details
Virginia Housing VA Loan

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Credit Scores, Zero Down

VA program for Virginia first time homebuyers with competitive interest rates and up to 2% in forgivable closing cost assistance.


Details
WaHFC House Key Opportunity FHLMC Advantage

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Credit Scores, Zero Down

House Key Opportunity $0 Down FHLMC


Details
Related Resources
Knowing Your Mortgage Insurance Options (Conventional Loan PMI)

PMI is an important part of getting a mortgage, but it can vary in cost. Learn about the different types and what you should consider when budgeting for it here.

Read More
First Time Homebuyer Guide

Being a first-time homebuyer has its fair share of challenges. One of your biggest obstacles will be competing against other new or seasoned buyers. While bidding wars have tapered since the previous buying season, they can still occur.

Read More
A Rundown On Closing Costs and How They Affect You

It can be tricky to sift through all the figures , so we broke down what they are, how much they cost, who's responsible and how to minimize your expenses.

Read More

Visit our Mortgage Education Center for more resources.

* Some loan programs may not be offered by all featured lenders of ReviewMyMortgage.com and qualification guidelines may vary between them. Our team makes their best effort to keep loan program information up to date. Loan programs may change without warning. ReviewMyMortgage.com does not guarantee or offer any loan products. ReviewMyMortgage.com is strictly an educational resource hub for consumers

Mortgage Program by:

ReviewMyMortgage.com is in no way affiliated with the companies or institutions listed here.

Start Your Journey

Whether your are buying a new home, or refinancing your current home loan, let the experts at Review My Mortgage guide you on your homeownership journey.

Are you a mortgage professional?

Learn about our unique sponsorships, including RMM PROLender, that can take your production to the next level.

Get in Touch

Work with the best mortgage lender in every state. Period.

Quick Links
  • Get Your Mortgage Review
  • Purchase Programs
  • Refinance Programs
  • 1st Time Homebuyers
  • No Money Down 100% Financing
  • Special Offers
  • Funding Institutions
  • Updates & Alerts
  • Mortgage Education Center
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Recruiting
Get Started

Find and compare all your local home loan options.

© 2026 ReviewMyMortgage.com Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Site Map We are not a mortgage company and do not offer mortgage loans through ReviewMyMortgage.comDesigned and developed by TIB Digital